Live Update: Charlie Kirk Fatally Shot at Utah Valley University Event

Live Update: Charlie Kirk Fatally Shot at Utah Valley University Event

What Happened

• Incident Timeline
  On September 10, 2025, during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot in the neck while speaking to an outdoor crowd as part of his "American Comeback Tour." Video footage shows the moment he is struck and collapses as chaos ensues. The bullet reportedly came from a building approximately 200 yards away.Reuters+2The Guardian+2

• Immediate Aftermath
  Attendees were in panic, many running, ducking, and screaming, after a loud gunshot rang out. Witnesses reported seeing blood and described the terrifying scene.Wikipedia+3People.com+3People.com+3

• Death Confirmed
  President Donald Trump confirmed Kirk’s death on Truth Social, calling him “legendary” and ordering flags flown at half-mast.The Guardian+2The Independent+2 Turning Point USA also issued a statement mourning his passing.AP News+3ABC News+3TIME+3

Investigation & Response

• Law Enforcement Actions
  A suspect was briefly taken into custody but later released after being cleared of involvement. Authorities are still searching for the shooter. Federal agencies including the FBI and ATF are actively investigating.Wall Street Journal+4Reuters+4The Guardian+4

• Political and Public Reaction
  Voices across the political spectrum denounced the violence. Figures such as Vice President J.D. Vance, Senator Mike Lee, Governor Spencer Cox, and California Governor Gavin Newsom called it "despicable" and urged unity against political violence.San Francisco Chronicle+4People.com+4San Francisco Chronicle+4 Gabrielle Giffords, a former congresswoman and gun violence survivor, urged rejecting violence in civic discourse.People.com+2AP News+2

Who Charlie Kirk Was

• Background
  At 31, Charlie Kirk was a prominent conservative figure, co-founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, a youth-focused political organization. Known for his energetic campus events, his influence extended through podcasts and media appearances.Wikipedia+3AP News+3Wikipedia+3

• Role in Politics
  A close ally of former President Trump, Kirk played a pivotal role in mobilizing young conservatives and contributing to Trump's re-election campaign.Wikipedia+3Reuters+3AP News+3

Summary

• Victim: Charlie Kirk, age 31; founder of Turning Point USA.

• Event: Speaking at Utah Valley University for the “American Comeback Tour.”

• Timing: Shot around 12:10 p.m. MDT on September 10, 2025.

• Aftermath: Shot from a distance, rushed to hospital, later died.

• Investigation: Active; shooter not currently in custody.

• Reactions: Broad condemnation and mourning from political and civic leaders.

This terrible event highlights the worsening trend of political violence in the U.S. My thoughts are with Kirk’s family, his wife and two children, as the nation grapples with the loss and the broader consequences on civil discourse.

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Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune via Reuters - PHOTO: People run after a shot was fired at right-wing activist and commentator Charlie Kirk during a Utah Valley University speaking event in Orem, Utah, Sept. 10, 2025.